For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Woman’s rights breached by support workers at Access Community Health - 23HDC02211
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Woman’s rights breached by support workers at Access Community Health - 23HDC02211
Tuesday 21 January 2025, 03:14 PM

In a report released today, Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall has found a woman’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) were breached by Access Community Health.
The woman was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2008. Her complaint concerns the availability of support workers, and care that was cancelled, late, or missed, which on occasion left her without support. She also complained about inadequate communication and a lack of back-up plans, co-ordination of care, trained support, and a dedicated contact for urgent/emergency assistance.